Mary Jurczak Kostura
Mary Jurczak Kostura, 82, of Masontown, Pa., died Saturday, December 27, 2003 in Beverly HealthCare Center.
She was born October 2, 1921 in Nemacolin, Pa., daughter of Joseph and Julia (Wozny) Jurczak.
Her parents, husband Michael Kostura, brothers Joseph, Frank and Edward Jurczak, and sister, Helen Hoover, preceded her in death.
Mary was a member of All Saints Roman Catholic Church and Fort Mason American Legion Post 423 both in Masontown.
For 52 years Mary owned and operated Kostura Cleaners with her Husband and Family.
During World War II, she proudly served her country with the United States Army at the rank of Sergeant.
She was a past Commander of the Fort Mason American Legion Post 423 and held the distinction of being the first female commander of an American Legion post in Pennsylvania.
Mary was a loving and nurturing Mother who taught her family the importance of honesty, responsibility and courage to pursue your dreams. Her colorful character and high-spirited nature will be sadly missed by her family and many friends!
Surviving are five children: Michele Koskinen and husband John of Philadelphia, Pa., Maryanne Filippone and husband Jim of Uniontown, Pa., Michael J. Kostura and wife Kim of Masontown, Pa., Matthew LaRoka Kostura Ph.D. of Hillsborough, North Carolina, and attorney Marsha Schmidt and husband Matt of Silver Springs, Maryland; seven grandchildren: Lisa Filippone, Todd Filippone, Rebecca Kostura, Abbey Kostura, Anna Kostura, Joseph Kostura and Julia Kostura; three sisters: Dorothy Kozel of Ohio, Loretta Uglik of Carmichaels, Pa., and Betty Salvi of Masontown, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received in the HAKY FUNERAL HOME INC., a Dignity Memorial Provider, 515 North Main Street, Masontown, Pa., on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, December 30, until 10 a.m. when a Blessing Service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Fr. James F. Bump officiating.
Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa., where Military Honors will be accorded.
In lieu of flowers, it was Mary’s wish that donations in her memory be made to the following organizations: The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation Inc., Department 560, Washington, DC 20042-0560, or Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation, Duquesne, PA 15110, or public or school libraries.